Bicycles took over the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway Sunday for the annual Becel Ride for Heart.

The sold out charity event began and ended at Exhibition Place and gave the 14,000 cyclists the rare opportunity to travel on major roads without having to worry about motor vehicle traffic.

Riders over the age of 18 were required to raise at least $100 for the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation in addition to paying a registration fee. Participants have the option of cycling for 25, 50 or 75 kilometres.

In total, the even raised $6 million, around half a million more than the 2013 tally.

All cyclists were required to wear a helmet regardless of skill or age.

As a result of the event, the Gardiner was closed from South Kingsway to the Don Valley Parkway, and the DVP was shut down from Highway 401 to the Gardiner. The roads had all reopened by around 2:30 p.m.

With files from Sean Wetselaar

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